Review - LedLenser MT10 Handheld Torch

The range of handheld and head torches from LedLenser are market-leading, in terms of quality, technology and performance. The MT10 handheld torch is one of their latest releases, aimed at the outdoor adventurer looking for a compact and powerful handheld torch.

It might seem odd that I am featuring a handheld torch on , given that it doesn't come with bike-light attachments. The reasoning is that with a little adapting, this could be a superb bike light or helmet light; equally, as it stands it is a great light to use for camping, touring and adventuring - all things that many cyclists enjoy.

Meet the M10

The M10 is the mid-range handheld torch in the LedLenser Outdoor line-up.

The unit has a 1,000 lumen max light output, which lasts for 6 hours. On the low power efficiency setting the light has an incredible 144 hours burn time.

Clever lighting technology

The beam on the LedLenser M10 has an adjustable focus; so you can pinpoint in on an area a long distance away (180 metres, to be exact), or you can go for a wider spread beam to illuminate an area close by.

The light has four modes: High, Medium, Low and Strobe. To be honest that is as many as you need, and it does away with the endless scrolling through light modes that often seems the case on torches and lights.

Real life testing

I have been testing the LedLenser M10 on evening walks and hikes, and it has been an absolute pleasure to use.

Pulled from its neat sheath, it is comfortable to hold in your hand, and easy to operate.

Build quality is superb, and the aluminium shell feels solid and robust. The torch is water-resistant to IPX4, too; so you can happily use it for damp outdoor scenarios.

The easily adjustable beam and simple operation are refreshing; it shouldn't be complicated to operate a torch.

Overall, this is a fantastic little unit. Ideal for camping, touring and adventuring; it could also be a great helmet light, with a suitable mount (I tested it with a USE Exposure one).

View the LedLenser range at ledlenser.com

Long range focussed beam on the LedLenser MT10

Short range wide-spread beam on the MT10 handheld torch

The LedLenser MT10 comes with a smart pouch and lanyard attachment

Review - Smoove Chain Lube

What lube would you choose for a 3,000 kilometre bike tour? You're not sure what conditions you will encounter, and you definitely won't be able to wash and clean your bike regularly… I chose the South African brand Smoove Lube for the #7Countries7Passes trip.

Smoove is a dry chain lube: best applied a few hours before riding, to give it time to dry. However, unlike many dry lubes, which say they should specifically be used in "dry conditions" (suggesting they are inadequate for wet conditions), the Smoove Lube is a 'Universal Chain Lube' - suitable for all weather riding.

The lube is easy to apply, and doesn't create a 'gooey' feeling chain like some wet lubes. I applied a layer before heading out to Denmark for the start of the #7Countries7Passes, so it had plenty of time to dry.

Through the gravel of the Hansen's Cykelløb Race, the sunshine of northern Germany, and the rain and snow of Switzerland; the Smoove lube performed well. I didn't re-apply the lube until my rest day in northern Italy, and even then the chain was still running reasonably well.

Overall, I'm impressed. There aren't many chain lubes that can do 1,500 kilometres in mixed and mountainous conditions, and keep your drivetrain running silent. Smoove Lube performs, well.

• Shop Smoove lube now at cyclorise.com
• Blog readers can get 25% off Smoove Lube until 31/10/2017 using code LITS25 at the Cyclorise checkout 

Smoove Lube testing on the #7Countries7Passes

Review - Union Coffee Equinox and Yaya Forest Blends

There are few things that go better together than cycling and coffee. The dark rich drink provides a boost, refreshment, a break from the pedalling, and a warming comforter.

Whether enjoyed pre-ride with your porridge, mid-ride at the café stop, or during post-ride chill-out time; coffee is fuel for the ride, and fuel for the passion.

The range of coffee beans from Union Hand-Roasted Coffee is sustainably and ethically sourced. Union Coffee works with its union of farmers directly, to provide them with the resources they need, a fair price for their coffee, and a reliable income for their families.

Union is also special because it small batch hand-roasts its beans. This allows for greater quality control, and overall a richer and better coffee.

The new Equinox coffee is a refreshing and fruity blend. Made as an espresso, it provides a good hit, without being overpowering. With hints of orange and dark chocolate, it smells and tastes fantastic on a chilly autumn morning.

The Yayu coffee is a medium roast blend, using beans from the Yayu forest in Ethiopia. This is wild coffee - a rare and unique kind, still created in the forests. It has a deep body to it, and hints of almond and citrus. Brewed as a slow-drip coffee, it makes for a fantastic Sunday morning drink.

Union Coffee is like a fine piece of craftsmanship on a bicycle; perhaps a Chris King headset, or a Campagnolo crank. It is rich and full-bodied, beautifully presented; but beneath that is a heritage of craftmanship and care, which shows through to those in the know.

Well worth checking out the brand's subscription service on the button below.

Review - Vaude Exire Pro RC MTB Shoes

Vaude cycling kit is genuinely unique. As a company, the German brand has a heritage of producing top level outdoor apparel, with innovative fabrics and a focus on sustainable production. Their cycling kit extends this ethos into the two-wheeled world, and the winter jackets and shoes that I have tested to date have certainly been exceptional.

The Vaude Exire Pro RC Mountain Bike Shoes are the top tier race shoes from Vaude, and have some interesting features that set them apart from the norm.

Power transfer and race level quality

The Exire is designed to be a cross country mountain bike race shoe; with a stiff sole and a fit that holds the foot firmly in place, to maximise power transfer.

The sole is made from high density composite, whilst the uppers are a PU coated polyester with a ratchet strap and two Velcro closure straps. The low stretch upper, the stiff sole, and the secure closing system, mean that your foot feels stable and secure inside the shoes.

Additional neat innovations that add to the performance and comfort of Exire RC shoes include additions like the silicone dots on the inside of the heel cup, for added grip and support. The pad on the ratchet strap is also adjustable in terms of positioning on the strap, which allows the design to accommodate different height insteps.

Overall, the quality and design of the Vaude Exire RC MTB Shoes is impressive. At first glance they might appear a bit shiny and stiff; but the fabric soon shapes to your feet, and it has proven to be great at shedding water and dirt.

Another great product from the German brand.

Explore the Vaude range here: Vaude.com

Sizing advice

My only slight criticism of the Exire Pro RC shoes is on the sizing. I consistently wear an EU45 in shoe brands such as Specialized, Giro, dhb and Salomon; I am also an EU45 in the previously reviewed Termatic RC II Vaude Winter Boots, and the Vaude Yara TR Casual Cycling Shoes. In the Exire Pro RC, the EU45 is very roomy. Even with extra volume Superfeet insoles fitted, I still found the toe-box to be rather too spacious. If you are between sizes, I would recommend sizing down.

Review - SJ Works Bicycle First Aid Kits

Many people seem to underestimate the importance of first aid. Coming from a family and friend network of doctors though, I have been made aware on many occasions of the importance of first response.

SJ Works is a Danish brand, who are looking to bring First Aid to the cycling market in a smart and convenient way; with saddle bags, frame bags and top tube bags that contain all the essentials you need for the first treatment of cuts, falls and bleeding.

The bags themselves are good quality: To test their durability, I removed the lightweight First Aid products from the saddlebag; then filled it with tools and used it as a normal saddlebag for a few weeks; it held up to the challenge admirably. The reflective material that covers the bag is a great added visibility aid too.

The First Aid products inside the bag are well thought through, and contain everything that I would normally put in a lightweight expedition first aid kit. There is also a neat booklet with First Aid advice, and a branded reflective trouser clip.

In summary, this is a great idea for any leisure rider, commuter or long distance touring cyclist. Having encountered minor injuries and frostbite on my recent #7Countries7Passes tour, I was reminded of the importance and necessity of First Aid; these little kits are the perfect solution to ensure you can take the correct response when minor accidents do happen.

Find out more at SJ-Works.com

Review - LedLenser MH10 Headtorch

LedLenser MT10 Handheld Torch, and I was extremely impressed by the quality and design of the unit. More recently, I have been trying out another product from the Outdoor range in the German brand's line-up - the MH10 Headtorch.

The LedLenser MH10 is designed to be a versatile and lightweight headtorch; ideal for walking, running and many other outdoor pursuits.

Unlike a lot of headtorches that integrate the battery into the lamp unit itself, the MH10 has a separate battery pack on the rear; this has a number of advantages...

Firstly, it means the battery pack can be larger; facilitating a massive run time of 120 hours on low power mode, and six hours on high power. Second, it makes the headtorch a lot more balanced on your head; providing greater comfort and reducing the need to over-tighten the strap to avoid bounce. Thirdly, it has allowed LedLenser to put a small red light on the battery pack, to give a surprisingly effective aid to rear visibility.

The battery pack design is certainly smart, but there are a few additional extras that further the strength of the MH10 Headtorch's design...

The strap for example, has a neat quick pull adjustment design to fit multiple head sizes. The lamp unit can be tilted to get the correct beam focus. Finally, like the MT10, you can choose the programming of the light so that it toggles through the different beam strengths in the order you prefer (600 lumens on High, through to 10 lumens on Low).

My only slight criticism of the MH10's design is the ability to use it with red coloured lamp light. Red light is useful for night navigation and for being less obvious when wild camping. The MH10 comes with two lens covers - one red and one green, which pop onto the lamp unit. The issue is that these lens covers are glass, and when trying to change between the red and green options, I managed to shatter one of them. I am probably a bit ham-fisted, but I can't help but think plastic would have been a more durable option.


Overall, aside from the minor lens issue, the LedLenser MH10 Headtorch is a superb piece of kit.

Lightweight, comfortable, and very well made. The battery life on 'walking/low power' mode is incredible, as is the speed of charging and the quality. The light function is reassuringly simple to operate, and the headband can even be removed for washing.

Another great bit of German engineering, which would be the perfect companion for ultra running events, bikepacking, camping, and as a backup riding light.

Book Review - Skratch Labs Feed Zone Portables Cookbook

Skratch Labs Exercise Hydration Mix here on . I was impressed by its subtle flavour, natural ingredients, and how effective it was at warding off cramps. In the last month, I have been testing out recipes from their 'solid fuel' solution: the recipes in the Skratch Labs Feed Zone Portables Cookbook.

The 'Feed Zone Portables' cookbook is a collection of recipes for snacks, breakfasts, lunches and light meals, which you could take with you on any of your outdoor adventures. From rice cakes, to panini rolls, and cookies to granola; this is a collection designed for easy transportation, and easy consumption.

The book is most definitely written for the American reader; with quite a few Americanisms like "grit" and "put it out for 10"; as well as using quite a lot of ingredients that are far cheaper in the States than they are this side of the Atlantic (such as maple syrup and blueberries). Yet, being selective about which recipes you choose, you can make some superb meals and snacks from the ideas in this compact cookbook.

I've experimented with a few...

Beef and Sweet Potato Pies

Pastry based snacks aren't normally on the menu for a cyclist, however these are a nutritious and tasty savoury snack. Effectively like mini Cornish pasties, they pack a good punch of energy, protein and carbohydrates.

Ideal for taking with you on a camping trip, or even wrapped in foil in your jersey pocket.

Curry Potato and Chicken Pies

A second great variation on the above mini-pies. I made these with turkey mince, as chicken mince isn't widely available in the UK. They tasted great, especially with a drizzle of gravy (although you might not have that with you on a ride).

Apple and Cinnamon Rice Cakes

This is a great combination, and well known. The Skratch Labs recipe puts an interesting twist on the idea though, with a salted cinnamon sugar topping, and large chunks of apple.

I tweaked the recipe slightly, by adding milk to replace some of the water (added protein), and doubling the amount of apple in the mixture. Also, despite using more bitter cooking apples, I only used half of the sugar topping mixture; personally I'm not a fan of too much sweetness.

Portable Banana and Cashew Oatmeal

This is a real winner. Combining almonds, cashews, honey, banana, raisins, spices and more. 

It is designed so that you can take it with you on your next big adventure, and then just add hot milk to make an instant energising oat breakfast. Personally, I ended up eating a load of it with greek style yoghurt, and on the top of my normal morning porridge. It tastes fantastic.

Overall

I will keep experimenting with the recipes from the Feedzone Portables Cookbook, but the ones that I have tried so far have been easy to follow and tasted great. 

This would be a great gift for any outdoor adventurer who enjoys fresh and natural wholefoods, rather than pre-packaged energy bars. That includes me.

Review - CYGLO Cycling Backpack Indicator Display

When you are riding in traffic, your lower back is by far the most visible part of your rear-facing silhouette. The innovative and unique CYGLO Cycling Rucksack, with its integrated indicator display, is designed to maximise your rear visibility and also provide useful warning signals about your movements to following vehicles.

Lightweight, packable, and practical

The CYGLO pack from eelo is a lightweight packable riding rucksack. The bag folds into itself to create a pack size little larger than that of a lightweight windproof, and weighs only 365 grams inclusive of the electronic indicator display (explained below). This compact size makes it ideal for stashing in a pannier or pocket, to provide extra carrying capacity on shopping trips or errands.

The pack is made from water-resistant rip-stop nylon. It is a lightweight fabric, and not designed for extensive use and abuse, but it does brush off showers and rear wheel spray with ease, and is durable enough for light loads.

There aren't a huge number of bells and whistles on the pack's design, for example there is no back padding or structure to the rucksack. However, it does have useful side mesh pockets for bottles, and reflective light loops on the rear. It also has a neat internal valuables pocket, which doubles up as the bag's stuff-sack.

The CYGLO is an ideal light and portable bag; perfect for travelling and running errands around town.

Safety benefits

The real unique selling point of the CYGLO is of course its indicator display.

This is a rechargeable LED display, which zips into a pocket on the outside of the bag. The LED display has four signals: turning left, turning right, hazard, and 'cycling'. You toggle between these signals using a compact control unit that sits on your handlebars or clips to the rucksack straps.

The LEDs are bright enough to definitely improve visibility. They will last for around 8 hours on constant flash, and 20 hours on intermittent signalling (and standby mode); recharging through a mini-USB connection.

For beginner cyclists, and those riding in heavy traffic, taking your hands off the handlebars and brakes to indicate can be difficult. The CYGLO indicator doesn't negate the need for hand signals, but it does mean that if you can only manage to quickly jab the control unit on your bars, rather than do a prolonged hand signal, then hopefully the following traffic will be better alerted to your intended turning ahead.

Summary

Fears about safety are noted to be the greatest deterrent for potential cyclists, so in my mind anything that increases your road presence and reduces the chance of an accident, is a worthwhile product. The CYGLO Cycling Rucksack certainly does that.

It is a lightweight bag, which provides a convenient means to carry home your mini supermarket shop, or your daily work wear (far better and safer than a plastic carrier bag on your handlebars). However, it is also a neat safety device; the LED display provides improved road presence and should help to make your intentions clearer to following cars.

Overall, this is a smart and innovative product, which would be useful to any urban or commuter cyclist.

The unit is controlled by this neat handlebars toggle switch

The CYGLO has four display modes on the LED screen

The LED screen is housed in a zippered pocket, which doubles as a stuff sack

There is no back padding or structure to the CYGLO bag, but it is good for light loads.

A lightweight and useful pack

A useful internal valuables pocket on the CYGLO bag

Turning right!

Testing out this neat little idea from @eeloproducts - the CYGLO indicator rucksack. You change the light signals on the display using a little wireless remote that clips to your handlebars. Full review on lifeinthesaddle.cc coming soon. #cyclecommute #kittesting #cyclingkit #besafebeseen #eelo #cyglo #lifeinthesaddlecc

A post shared by Tim Wiggins (@tim_wiggins1) on Oct 6, 2017

Review - Wahoo ELMENT BOLT

Last year, I reviewed the Wahoo ELEMNT, and it quickly won me over. The unit became my go-to cycle computer for everything for daily commuting, to guiding me across Europe on the 'Coasts and Cols' tour, and then this year on the #7Countries7Passes.

The Wahoo ELEMNT has a little brother though. The ELEMNT BOLT is a smaller, lighter, and sleeker version of the original ELEMNT. Yet, it retains the majority of the great easy-to-use functionality of the original unit. I decided to down-size, to see if it was an upgrade...

The Aero Advantage

On my daily commute, and when trekking across Europe on a fully-laden touring bike, I am not sure I have too many concerns about how aerodynamic my profile is. That said, I do like things to look sleek and well-profiled; the Wahoo BOLT does that.

Wahoo market the ELEMNT BOLT as the most aerodynamic cycle computer out there. It has a unique design that means on its out-front mount the computer and mount lock together to create a smooth and slender profile.

I might not have noticed the 'marginal gains' from the aero advantage, but I have noticed that the smaller size of the BOLT and the integrated out-front mount are more pleasing on the eye. Those OCD tendencies are satisfied...

Functionality

The functionality of the Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT is largely identical to that of the original ELEMNT - you can read more about it in my original review here.

The principle difference is the smaller screen size, and that the BOLT only has lights along the top of the display, rather than also on the side of the unit. To be honest, this latter difference makes little change to me, as I often have the side lights turned off to save battery.

Since my original review of the ELEMNT, it is worth saying that there have been some significant upgrades to the already great functionality of the unit. These include Strava Live Segment integration, turn-by-turn LED guidance, Wahoo KICKR controls, improved elevation profiling, and greater integration with mobile Bluetooth notifications. These are all fantastic software upgrades, which are available on both the ELEMNT and ELEMNT BOLT.

Any downsides?

The only downsides of the ELEMNT BOLT versus the original ELEMNT, are the reduced size and reduced battery life.

Whilst the smaller size is great for a more minimalist look, it does mean that it is more difficult to read the mapping display on the BOLT.

Additionally, the smaller size also means a smaller battery life, so the BOLT will only last for approximately 8 hours with all bells and whistles going, compared to more like 12 hours on the larger ELEMNT unit.

Overall

The Wahoo ELEMNT won me over, with its incredible ease-of-use, and great mobile app integration. The ELEMNT BOLT features all the same great functionality, but in a smaller and lighter package.

For day-to-day use, the BOLT has become my preferred option. For long distance tours, I think I would still opt for the larger ELEMNT, because of its mapping and longer battery life.

They are both fantastic units though, and far better than the majority of the competition, in my experience.
​

A compact option - the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt

Elevation display on the Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt

The original Wahoo ELEMNT is still a fantastic option for long distance touring